Sophie Hendry – Case Study
Employer: Endress+Hauser
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Sophie completed her Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical/Electronic Engineering with STEGTA in 2020. We recently caught up with Sophie to see how she’s progressing…
Why did you decide to pursue a career in engineering?
Problem solving was one of my strengths and I’ve always wanted to find the easiest and best way of doing something. This carried over to my choice of college studies. Engineering can be different every day, sometimes you are in the office calling customers and planning projects; in the electrical workshop testing a panel or on a customer’s site fixing their problem. That’s what keeps it interesting!
After you completed your Level 3 programme, did you progress onto further education?
After I completed my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, my workplace funded my Honours Degree in Industrial Engineering. I learnt about the industry in massive detail and doing it alongside work ensured I could implement everything I was learning immediately. Plus, when I graduated, I had a degree and 5 years’ experience in the industry which is very highly sought after.
How your role has developed since completing your Apprenticeship?
I started my Apprenticeship as a Technical Apprentice, after completion of the Level 3 programme I was a fully trained Panel Build Technician. Then after my Degree Apprenticeship, I was promoted to Solutions Engineer where I run projects, lead teams and manage my own workload. Due to my experience in the industry, I am on a fast-track development plan to become a Project Engineer/Manager which is exactly where I wanted to be 5 years ago when I started my journey.
Do you have any involvement with supporting existing Apprentices?
I support current apprentices throughout the business with workload, technical help and even moral support. Endress+Hauser are extremely helpful and will give the apprentices the time they need to focus on their studies. I also work with other school, colleges and universities to mentor other young people that want to get into engineering. From experience, I know that it’s extremely beneficial for them to hear from someone who has been through this process because it can be very tough at times but once you make it to the career you want, it all becomes worth it.
Why you feel Apprentices/Apprenticeship programmes are a benefit to a business
Finding someone that wants to learn about everything you do as a technician can be hugely beneficial as one day they will take over your role and how much easier is that transition if the apprentice already knows the role as needed. Rather than hiring someone new that need intense training which can really pull on everyone involved.